Health & Safety Policy
Elev8 Training Limited recognises and accepts its responsibilities as an employer under the HSAW Act 1974 and all subsequent relevant legislation.
It will ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all its employees and any other persons affected by its activities.
Elev8 Training Limited believes that the prevention of all accidents involving personal injury or property loss and the prevention of work-related ill health, is essential for the efficient operation at Elev8 Training Limited.
Elev8 Training Limited through its management team, is committed in pursuing the progressive improvements in Health & Safety matters and to the principle that legal requirements define the minimum level of achievement.
Whilst recognising that each individual has a responsibility for their own and other people’s safety, Elev8 Training Limited acknowledges that the main reason underlying accidents and ill health occur at work is lack of management/risk control.
Elev8 Training Limited will meet its responsibilities by paying particular attention to the risk assessment process and by providing and maintaining suitable and sufficient:
Equipment and systems of work that are safe and without risk to health.
Safe arrangements for the use of, handling, transport and storage of articles.
Information, training, instruction and supervision to allow all employees to avoid hazards and contribute positively to their own health and safety at work.
Safe places of work and access to them.
Healthy working environments.
Adequate welfare facilities.
Elev8 Training Limited will make sure that this policy is followed and put into practice.
All employees will be informed about this policy and made aware of where a copy may be obtained. In addition, they will be given time to read the policy and the opportunity to raise any queries on its contents with their manager, safety rep, or Health & Safety advisor.
The policy will be reviewed annually by the appointed company representative.
The policy will be added to but not diminished by group Health & Safety statements and/or arrangements made under any service specific health and safety policy which applies to particular sections or groups of employees or service users.
Consultation and liaison on employee health, safety and welfare matters will be the responsibility of the Director.
The needs of disabled people and other special risk groups will be considered when implementing this policy.
This policy applies to all employees within Elev8 Training Limited
Apprenticeship Training Schemes
Apprentices under the scheme are deemed to be ‘at work’ throughout their training period, therefore the same relevant statutory responsibilities are extended in this situation (The Training for Employment Regulations 1990)
Compliance with this policy forms part of the terms and conditions of employment or training with this company
Responsibilities
Managing Director will
Ensure that the Health & Safety policy is implemented
Ensure that all provisions of the policy are carried out
Ensure that safe working practices are developed, implemented and maintained
Provide adequate company funds and materials to meet H&S requirements
Ensure that employees are competent and have been properly trained to carry out their duties
6. Ensure that responsibilities for health & safety matters are properly assigned and accepted at all levels within the organisation
7. Carry out periodical appraisal of the effectiveness of the policy and ensure that any necessary changes are made.
All Managers will:
As part of their duties they shall
Fully familiarize themselves with the Health & Safety Policy
Ensure that all persons within their control are correctly trained & aware of hazards
Ensure that safe working practices are developed to maximise the safety of employees, apprentices and visitors.
Ensure that all accidents are investigated promptly to discover the cause and prevent a recurrence.
Ensure that good housekeeping standards are established and maintained
Give serious consideration to any representation about health & safety from any employee
Attend safety meetings as required
All Apprenticeship coaches must:
Fully familiarize themselves with the Health & Safety Policy.
Complete regular risk assessment training
Carry out Risk Assessments at all sites where they have responsibility for apprentices.
Liaise with the management of those sites in matters regarding the health & safety of apprentices based there.
Inform appropriate company representatives of any accidents, injuries, diseases or dangerous occurrences that happen to apprentices at sites they are responsible for.
Ensure that all apprentices have received general health & safety training during their induction to the company and are then given training in specific aspects of health & safety appropriate to their job.
Give serious consideration to any representation about health & safety matters from any apprentice.
All tutors must
Fully familiarise themselves with the Health & Safety Policy.
Risk Assess learning environment where they have responsibility for learning. Inform appropriate company representatives of any accidents, injuries, diseases or dangerous occurrences that happen to apprentices at learning environments where they have responsibility for learning
Safety Representatives
Safety representatives are chosen for each centre and their responsibilities will be:
To consult with the Managing Director on health and safety matters.
Investigate potential hazards and dangerous occurrences at the workplace.
To give and obtain expert safety advice wherever it is required. All hazards, real or potential, should be reported to the representative.
To ensure that suitable fire fighting equipment is properly maintained and that fire alarms are regularly tested.
To ensure that fire drills are carried out at regular intervals and without prior warning to other employees. To observe such drills, complete the fire security log-book and ensure that any lessons learnt are acted upon.
To investigate the causes of any accidents which may occur, prepare and submit reports to all relevant authorities.
To monitor maintenance of all machinery and/or equipment.
To liaise with the Managing Director with regard to Health and Safety training for employees.
To carry out centre safety inspections and to assist representatives of the Company in carrying out workplace Risk Assessments ensuring that regular monitoring of the workplace is completed and recorded
To investigate and report all injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences in line with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1985
To consult with inspectors of the Health and Safety Executive (or any other relevant enforcing authorities) and be made aware of any information acquired in the course of their activities, or action they have taken or propose to take against the company.
To carry out assessments of exposure to substances hazardous to health in conjunction with the local authority or Health and Safety Inspector, and to maintain Assessment Area Files for each substance used and for each process identified as generating harmful substances and to monitor and supervise the use and control of such substances.
To investigate complaints to the company by any employee represented relating to that employee’s health, safety or welfare at work and to make representations on such matters to the relevant authority
To attend all meetings with regard to Health and Safety and to make representations to the company concerning hazards, dangerous occurrences and accidents or any general matters affecting the health, safety and welfare of employees at the workplace.
Employees Responsibilities
Every individual employee has both a responsibility and an interest to ensure that the Health and Safety Policy is properly observed in all the activities of their work.
All employees are expected to look out for breaches of the policy and to be alert to occasions or circumstances where danger could arise.
In particular each employee is expected to:-
Take reasonable care for their own personal health and safety and that of others, not only in what they do but in what the employer fails to do.
Cooperate with the company to enable it to comply with any duty imposed upon it by law.
Ensure that good housekeeping is upheld at all times, by making sure that any potential hazards such as telephone cables, computer cables, frayed carpet, chemicals, moving machinery etc. are monitored carefully, rectified immediately if need be and that all pedestrian areas or fire escapes are kept clear at all times.
Ensure that when using equipment which requires safety gear they wear the gear provided e.g. goggles etc.
Report any suspicion of malfunction in any piece of equipment to their supervisor or safety representative.
Pass on any suggestions that occur to them concerning health and safety to their supervisor, or their safety representative.
Training
The company recognises sound training as part of its safe working practice and ensures employees undertake relevant health & safety training courses designed to improve the individual’s capability at doing their job.
Apprenticeship Workplace Assessment
Prior to enrolment - all sites used for apprenticeship training undergo a site based risk assessment, following the HSE guidelines for apprneitceship risk assessment. https://www.hse.gov.uk/youngpeople/apprentices.htmh
A record of the health and Safety check is kept in the employer folder. This icnludes a record of the employer liability insurance details, confirmation of the employer repsponsibilities this is signed and agreed by the apprneitcehsip coach and the employer.
Health and Safety is monitored throughout the apprenticeship - with records being updated as required (e.g. ELI renewal dates)
further guidance for employees involved with visiting employer is provided through:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/youngpeople/workexperience/organiser.htm
Fire Emergency
All premises should have an up to date fire certificate.
All emergency exits should be distinctively and conspicuously marked by a notice in lettering of adequate size and fire doors should never be wedged open or jammed or fastened shut.
All passages, gangways, stairways, entrances and exits should be kept free from obstruction.
Fire action notices should be displayed in each occupied office. They should be clearly visible and never obscured.
The contents of every room or office must be arranged so as to afford a free passageway to a means of escape in case of fire.
The fire alarm system, detectors, fire doors, emergency lighting etc. should be maintained every three months and results recorded in the fire precautions log book.
All fire extinguishers, hose reels etc. should be clearly positioned and regularly checked and if necessary replaced. Results of investigations should be recorded in the fire precautions log book.
All employees and apprentices should become familiar with the layout of the building. Fire exits, safety signs etc. and with the procedure for emergencies and drills detailed below.
All employees must read carefully the fire action notices displayed in each work environment.
Safety Procedures
In the event of a fire the following action MUST be taken:
The discovery of the fire:
On discovering a fire immediately SET OFF THE FIRE ALARM USING THE NEAREST BREAK GLASS POINT (alarms are situated throughout the building).
Notify the main reception, stating the location and nature of the fire if known. The receptionist will telephone the fire brigade. If the switchboard is unattended then dial 999 and ask for the fire brigade.
If possible and at no personal risk, an attempt should be made to put out the fire with the correct extinguishers available (see below), if this fails then leave the building by the nearest exit, closing all doors and windows behind you.
The type of fire will determine the method of extinguishing to be used:
Small fire, e.g. smoldering etc. (USE COMMON SENSE). If in doubt, treat it as a major fire. DO NOT AT ANY TIME PUT YOURSELF AT ANY PERSONAL RISK.
Medium / Large fires - Use only the AFFF Foam extinguishers or a FIRE BLANKET.
Equipment fires - Use CARBON DIOXIDE extinguishers. DO NOT USE WATER EXTINGUISHERS ON ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT FIRES.
FIRE ALARM
Real or Drill
It does not matter whether the alarm sounding is a real fire or an alarm practice, the procedure is the same.
On hearing the fire alarm all staff must evacuate the building immediately using the NEAREST safe exit, closing the doors behind them.
Leave calmly. DO NOT PANIC. DO NOT USE WINDOWS WHICH ARE NOT DESIGNATED FIRE EXITS (unless there is no alternative).
Do NOT stop to collect personal belongings.
Walk, do not run.
Go to the designated assembly point for your centre.
WAIT UNTIL YOUR NAMES HAVE BEEN CHECKED AT A ROLL-CALL BY THE FIRE WARDEN FOR YOUR CENTRE. DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING FOR ANY REASON.
NEVER
Wedge open fire doors, or jam or fasten them shut.
Move extinguishers from their correct location.
Cover safety signs/fire notices
Play practical jokes where fire is a real danger
Re-enter the building after an alarm until the all clear has been given.
Fire Wardens
A fire warden is appointed for each centre. It is their duty to ensure that all personnel vacate the premises as quickly and calmly as possible and observe the fire procedures.
It is the warden’s responsibility to pick up the attendance register on the way out and use it to check off names once outside.
The warden must check all rooms in their area and ensure that they are empty and all doors and windows are closed. The warden must then leave the building by the nearest fire exit. AT NO POINT MUST THE FIRE WARDEN PUT THEIR OWN SAFETY IN JEOPARDY.
At the assembly point, it is the warden’s duty to take a roll call of all personnel, then report to the site Health and Safety Representative, taking particular note of any persons missing at roll call.
DO NOT ENTER THE BUILDING TO SEEK OUT MISSING PERSONNEL OR FOR ANY OTHER REASONS UNTIL THE ALL CLEAR HAS BEEN GIVEN.
First Aid/Accidents
The First Aid box is to be found in the main office.
The appointed person responsible for the maintenance of the First Aid box and for the upkeep of the Accident Book is the nominated First Aid Representative.
At the event of an accident of any sort, the appointed person should be contacted immediately. If the injury is serious or if someone is unconscious, ring for an ambulance.
When an accident occurs make sure that all of the relevant details are entered into the Accident Book immediately and correctly by either yourself or someone who saw it happen.
Details required are; The date and time of the accident causing the injury the following particulars about the person affected:-
Full name, occupation, nature of injury and condition.
Where the accident happened a brief description of the circumstances
Accident, Injuries and Diseases
Reporting & Investigation
Elev8 Training Limited will comply fully with The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1985. It will be the responsibility of the Company Safety Representative to inform the environmental health department of the relevant local authority and the appropriate LSC of any fatal or major injuries, dangerous occurrences or diseases as defined in the regulations that may occur to company employees or apprentices. This will be done without delay by phone and or online.
In all cases the Safety Representative will investigate the accident or occurrence and, where necessary, work in conjunction with representatives of the local authority, ESFA, employers/placement providers and other staff to provide a written report of the incident within seven days.
Any other injury or occurrence to an employee or apprentice which results in their absence from work or work placement for more than three days will also be investigated and reported to the aforementioned authorities within seven days
COSHH Assessment
In order to comply with the COSHH regulations 1989, Elev8 Training Limited will carry out assessments on all hazardous substances used in the training centre.
The results of the assessments and information sheets will be posted on the notice board and all staff and apprentices will be instructed in the safe handling, use and storage of these substances.
Electrical Testing
In order to comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, all portable electrical equipment will be formally visually inspected every six months and recorded on the Visual Testing Log. A combined visual inspection and testing will be carried out annually. An inspection of all portable electrical equipment will be undertaken by a qualified person every three years.
Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Eye Tests
Objective
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that Elev8 Training, as an employer, formally meets its health and safety obligations with regard to DSE eye tests.
Scope
With effect from 1 April 1994 all full-time and part-time, permanent and temporary employees defined as a DSE user are covered by this policy.
General Principles
Eye tests for full time DSE operators up to a maximum of £17.00 will be paid for by the company.
If as a result of the ophthalmological examination corrective lenses for use at a DSE screen are recommended, the company will reimburse the employee the cost of the eye test plus the cost towards lenses and frames up to a maximum value of £50
Eye tests will be paid for at two yearly intervals.
Procedure
All receipts for eye tests and/or lenses and frames, on which the optician must confirm that they are indeed for DSE use, should be attached to an expense claim form and signed by the employee and their staff manager.
Expenses will not be reimbursed for any lenses/frames unless the receipt specifically states ‘for DSE use’.
COVID Response December 2021
Businesses and workplaces should make every possible effort to enable working from home as a first option. Where working from home is not possible, workplaces should make every effort to comply with the social distancing guidelines set out by the government.
Elev8 Training have actioned this by allowing the vast majority of staff to remain home based for the foreseeable future.
Elev8 Training limited have facilities available to ensure handwashing can take place regularly and distance measures can be adhered to. With measures in place Elev8 Training is ensuring all staff and visitors in attendance at the centre can remain safe and healthy.
Staff who are unwell with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) should not travel to or attend the workplace.
Any member of staff who develops symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) (a new, continuous cough and/or a high temperature) should be sent home and stay at home for 5 days from onset of symptoms. If the member of staff lives in a household where someone else is unwell with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) then they must stay at home. Each case will be evaluated by the Director.
Medical evidence may be requested and should be made available when requested.
If these symptoms develop whilst at work employees will be sent home, they should return home quickly and directly. If they have to use public transport, they should try to keep away from other people and catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue.
If a member of staff has helped someone who was taken unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature, they do not need to go home unless they develop symptoms themselves. They should wash their hands thoroughly for 20 seconds after any contact with someone who is unwell with symptoms consistent with coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
It is not necessary to close the business or workplace or send any staff home, unless government policy changes.
Those who are self-isolating because they or someone in their household is displaying symptoms of coronavirus will be eligible for Statutory Sick pay (SSP).
SSP is also available to those who are staying at home because they’re at high risk of severe illness from coronavirus (shielding).
Employees should wash their hands for 20 seconds more frequently and catch coughs and sneezes in tissues
Employees should take part in frequently cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, using standard cleaning products as supplied by Elev8 Training Limited.
keep everyone updated on actions being taken to reduce risks of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) in the workplace
make sure everyone’s contact numbers and emergency contact details are up to date
make sure managers know how to spot symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) and are clear on any relevant processes, for example sickness reporting and sick pay, and procedures in case someone in the workplace is potentially infected and needs to take the appropriate action
make sure there are places to wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, and encourage everyone to do so regularly
The advice on social distancing measures applies to everyone and should be followed wherever possible.
Workplaces need to avoid crowding and minimise opportunities for the virus to spread by maintaining a distance of at least 2 metres (3 steps) between individuals wherever possible. This advice applies both to inside the workplace, and to where staff may need to interact with apprentices and employers when visiting their premises.
Elev8 Training reserves the right to update or change this policy in line with government guidance.